• Arafat says false information is circulating on social media regarding PM’s India visit
• ‘Nepal and Bhutan can use Mongla and Chittagong ports’

TDS Desk:

“It is widely reported that India will operate trains within Bangladesh, but it is not mentioned that Bangladesh will also operate trains through India to neighboring countries Nepal and Bhutan,” he said, regarding the MOU of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India.

The state minister made the comment at a press conference at the secretariat on Monday afternoon.

“The rail connectivity is a matter of regional connectivity. Nepal and Bhutan can use Mongla and Chittagong ports of Bangladesh which will boost our economy according to this MOU. This overall rail connectivity will give a long-term advantage for the people of Bangladesh.” he said.

The state minister pointed to the MOU which was signed between Bangladesh and India and said: “It is clearly mentioned in the clause that ‘Red traffic’ will not be allowed inside the Indian wagon while travelling through Bangladesh. It is also been clear that domestic law enforcement agencies will provide the security measures of the train inside their own territory.

“‘Red traffic’ means that explosives, arms, and ammunition are prohibited. I will make this MOU public so that everyone can review it clearly,” he added, urging BNP leaders and critics to read the MOU before commenting on it.

Arafat also asked: “Where did they find that all Indian trains will carry arms or ammunition?”

He further added that no one was talking about Bangladesh importing 40 megawatts of electricity from Nepal through the Indian Gridline. “It is not easy work. It has been possible only because of the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

Mohammad Ali Arafat later said that false information on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India trip was spreading on social media and even in some mass media.

“Social media and some mainstream media are spreading rumours on the recent India visit outcome of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We have noticed that BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is also spreading false information now,” he said.

The state minister then highlighted some major diplomatic achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with India including the land-bound agreement, and the maritime boundary agreement.

Arafat then criticized the BNP regime and said: “When BNP was in power Khaleda Zia forgot to discuss the Ganga water agreement in herIndia visit and never uttered anything about Teesta water sharing while discussing with India.”

India, Bangladesh announce new train, bus servicesIndia, Bangladesh announce new train, bus services

State Minister Arafat termed the geographical location as an advantage for Bangladesh and said: “Connectivity is wealth for us. We should capitalize on the geographical location advantage by selling it as a package to our neighboring countries.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to New Delhi on June 21 on a two-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Bangladesh and India agreed to work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi endorsed a vision statement in Delhi.

This was the first of its kind statement as traditionally joint statements are issued after any visit of the head of government.